Question:
Manufactures of smoke detectors suggest replacing them after 10 years. Where can the used one go if the company is no longer in business? The local recycle group run in association with the county will not take the units due to the radiation. Each ionization smoke detector has a very minute amount of radioactive material. What do you do with these units?

Answer: -Rather that spend your money to increase the waste stream why not just test them periodically with a candle or cigarette. I suspect that product liability issues require the manufacturers to urge early replacement.

-If it still appears to work, use it as a spare. For example. If you lack a detector somewhere put it there. It will provide a level of added safety even if it isnt at peak anymore.